Aims: This study evaluates if a computed tomography ( CT) scan is useful
to assess the olfactory loss in sinonasal disease, and if a preoperative
CT scan has a predictive value for the long-term outcome regarding
olfaction. Methods: Thirty-one patients with nasal polyposis were
included. Olfactory function was assessed with the ‘Sniffin’ Sticks’
test and subjective perception recorded with a visual analogue scale. CT
scans were assessed with the Lund-Mackay system and the Damm nasal
segmentation. Patients were retested after endoscopic sinus surgery in a
follow-up appointment at least 1 year later. Results: Disease in the
upper meatus and the posterior portion of the middle meatus strongly
affects olfactory function. Lund-Mackay scores were significantly
correlated with preoperative olfactory test results. Preoperative
subjective ratings had a significant correlation only with present
disease in the anterior upper meatus. Postoperative results were
significantly decreased. Their relative percentage change was correlated
only with the preoperative presence of disease in the anterior upper
meatus. No correlation was found between the Lund-Mackay score and the
postoperative olfactory results. Conclusions: Olfactory dysfunction in
nasal polyposis is strongly related to specific obstructed nasal areas.
A CT scan has no predictive value for the longterm surgical outcome
regarding olfaction. (C) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel
